Capricornia Correctional Centre riots: Accused prisoners face court

More than 60 prisoners charged over their alleged involvement in 16-hour riots at Capricornia Correctional Centre have faced court for the first time. Here’s who they were and what happened.

More than 60 prisoners accused of being involved in the 16-hour riots at Capricornia Correctional Centre in 2021 have faced court for the first time.

Riots broke out at the Rockhampton jail on October 21 and at the height of the unrest, about 70 prisoners were allegedly involved before the drama eventually dissipated at 2.30am the following day.

In April, it was announced that 45 prisoners had been charged.

Queensland Police Service told The Morning Bulletin in June that number had risen to 64 prisoners, aged between 19 and 42.

Damaged allegedly caused to the Capricornia Correctional Centre during the October 2021 riots.

Eight men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 22 for the first time, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Darryn Dean Lynch, 33, was represented by solicitor Rian Dwyer with Dwyer Criminal Law who ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Lynch’s matter was adjourned to September 7.

Nathan James Mitchell, 38, was represented by solicitor Rebecca Harris on behalf of M.A. Kent and Associates who ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Mitchell’s matter was adjourned to September 7.

Sean Richard Watson, 27, was also represented by solicitor Rebecca Harris on behalf of Legal Aid Maryborough who ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Watson’s matter was adjourned to September 7.

John Leslie David Armstrong, 23, James Victor Corporal, 23, and John Frederick Murray, 25, did not have legal representation.

Their matters were adjourned to August 18.

Roy Maxwell Major, 27, and Graham James Tilberoo, 28, also had their matters adjourned to September 7.

The court heard on July 11 the reason for the brief of evidence was this charge has to be dealt with in a higher court due to the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Thursday, July 21

Six men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 21, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Bradley James Bickford, 38, was represented by solicitor Cassandra Ditchfield with Kenny and Partners Lawyers who indicated her client would be pleading guilty to the charge and wanted the charge to be transferred to Gladstone.

“There has been a court liaison service referral made,” Ms Ditchfield said.

“My client has charges in Gladstone that are part of the same referral.”

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale said the charge would remain in Rockhampton.

Mr Bickford’s matter was adjourned to August 31 and a brief of evidence was ordered.

Gavin John Richardson, 27, was represented by solicitor Brandon Selic who ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Richardson’s matter was adjourned to August 31

Joel Mark Wayne, 27, who appeared in court, was represented by solicitor Lachlan Robertson who ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Robertson said his client would be making an application for aid.

Mr Wayne’s matter was adjourned to August 31.

Shakur Paul Mclennan, 23, Shane Cedric Ross, 28, and Sam Norman Wason, 31, did not have legal representation.

Their matters were adjourned to September 1.

Nathan Anthony Hennock, 35, who had his matter mentioned on July 15 and adjourned to Thursday, appeared via video link and informed Ms Beckinsale that he had completed a form for Legal Aid and had talked to a lawyer in Mackay.

Mr Hennock’s matter was adjourned to August 31 and a brief of evidence was ordered.

Wednesday, July 20

Four men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 20, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Defence lawyer Samantha Legrady, on behalf of lawyer Jess King who was sick on July 20, represented Bailey Joseph Lill, 20, who also had charges including possessing shortened firearms, possessing dangerous drugs, receiving tainted property, receiving a firearm or ammunition which was tainted, possessing explosives illegally and supplying dangerous drugs.

Ms Legrady ordered a brief of evidence for the riot charge, which was then adjourned until September 7, and all charges were adjourned until July 27.

Brandon Selic represented Brock Andrew Skillington, 42, who was remanded in custody in relation to other charges when he was charged over the riot.

Mr Selic told the court Skillington’s other matters had been “resolved” but the Parole Board couldn’t consider releasing him until he was given bail for the riot charge.

He added that Mr Skillington had been in custody for the past 12 months.

Skillington was granted bail on the riot charged and it was adjourned to August 31.

The court heard Jesse Pel, 32, had been in prison at the time his notice to appear for the riot charge was handed to him but he had since been released.

He failed to appear in court on July 20 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Trent Tyson Barrett, 23, was represented by a lawyer from Fisher Dore Lawyers, who appeared by phone and ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Barrett’s charge was adjourned until September 7.

Tuesday, July 19

Seven men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 19, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Defence lawyer Samantha Legrady represented Robert John Thompson, 31, who appeared in court, and Jay Tagaloa, 42, who was remanded in custody.

Ms Legrady ordered briefs of evidence for both men and their matters were adjourned to September 7.

Defence lawyer Rebecca Winning represented Robert John Steedman, 34, and Jimmy Gibson Thaiday, 22, who were both remanded in custody.

She ordered briefs of evidence for both men and their matters were adjourned until September 7.

Three accused men did not have legal representation and were remanded in custody – Jacob Dean Cavanagh, 28, Donald William Palframan, 39, and Cameron James Scott, 36.

Their matters were adjourned to August 11.

Monday, July 18

Six men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 18 for the first time, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Matthew Alan Kennedy, 26, was represented by solicitor Ashley Reynolds who ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Kennedy’s matter was adjourned to August 31.

Jaydon Keith Karaitiana, 29, Brandon Blade Maloney, 23, Clancy Wade Mcnamara, 25, Eli Morton, 20, and Aisa Albert Charles Munro, 29, did not have legal representation.

Magistrate Jason Schubert adjourned each of their matters to August 4.

Friday, July 15

Six men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 15, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Travis Aaron Eisel, 23, Shaye Mitchell Henry, 24, and Clinton Curtis Jones, 32, had briefs of evidence ordered by solicitor Grant Cagney on behalf of Legal Aid.

Each of their matters were adjourned to August 31.

Brent Malcolm Huxley, 38, was represented by solicitor Jess King who ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Huxley’s matter was adjourned to August 4.

Leon Edward Freeman, 36, and Nathan Anthony Hennock, 35, did not have legal representation.

Mr Schubert adjourned each of their matters to July 28 and July 21 respectively.

Thursday, July 14

Seven men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 14, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Jack Vernon Beckett, 23, was represented by solicitor Brandon Selic who ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Beckett’s matter was adjourned to August 24.

Daniel Robert Cain, 26, had a brief of evidence ordered by his solicitor.

Mr Cain’s matter was adjourned to August 24.

Trent Edward Dyhrberg, 35, was represented by solicitor Mirren Smith on behalf of Fuller and White Solicitors’ Sarah Pascoe.

Ms Smith said Mr Dyhrberg’s Legal Aid funding had been approved and was seeking an adjournment to allow for conferences to take place.

His matter was adjourned to August 24 and a brief of evidence was ordered.

Bartholomew Ara, 21, Ashley John Baira, 27, Jason Thomas Cousins, 36, and Nelson Jack Kepa, 25, did not have legal representation.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale adjourned each of their matters to August 24 with briefs of evidence ordered.

Wednesday, July 13

Seven men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 13, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Roy Dahram Eric Brown, 21, and Cameron Thomas Twaddle, 31, were represented by solicitor Rebecca Winning who ordered a brief of evidence on behalf of each of her clients.

Mr Schubert adjourned each of their matters to August 31.

Brock Andrew Skillington, 42, was represented by solicitor Troy Smith who said a brief of evidence was to be disclosed by the prosecution.

Mr Skillington’s matter was adjourned to August 31.

Aubrey Richard Walsh, 28, had a brief of evidence ordered by his solicitor.

Mr Walsh’s matter was adjourned to August 31.

Jake Richard Sauer, 26, Richard Steven Saunders, 35, and Joshua Frederick Sibley, 24, did not have legal representation and their matters were adjourned to August 4.

Dominic John Nunan, 19, had his matter mentioned again on Wednesday by solicitor Samantha Legrady following his mention on Tuesday where he was unrepresented.

Ms Legrady said solicitor Andrew Stuart of Stewart Burr and Mayr Lawyers had a grant of aid for Mr Nunan and ordered a brief of evidence.

Mr Nunan’s matter was adjourned to August 24.

Tuesday, July 12

Seven men, including Mr Nunan, had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 12, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Montell Lewis Evans, 33, and John Mark Curtis Geehoy, 28, were represented by solicitor Rebecca Winning who said a brief of evidence would be required for each of her clients as the charge had to proceed on indictment.

Mr Schubert adjourned each of their matters to August 24.

Michael Bernard Luke Delta, 30, had a brief of evidence ordered by his solicitor.

Mr Delta’s matter was adjourned to August 24.

Ji Wilfred Henry Campbell, 23, and Jaiden Douglas Hargrave, 28, did not have legal representation and their matters were adjourned to July 28.

Mark Frederick Conway, 26, did not appear in court on Tuesday, despite being served with a notice to appear on April 28.

Mr Schubert ordered a warrant be issued forthwith to apprehend Mr Conway.

Monday, July 11

Six men had their matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on July 11, each charged with one count of riot or mutiny – unlawfully damages/destroys/attempts to damage or destroy property.

Zachary John Hunt, 27, was represented by solicitor Samantha Legrady who ordered a brief of evidence.

The court heard the reason for the brief of evidence was this charge has to be dealt with in a higher court due to the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Mr Hunt’s matter was adjourned to August 24.

Paul Andrew Hill, 32, was represented by solicitor Ken Spinaze, who ordered a brief of evidence.

“There will need to be some time for that brief to be prepared,” Mr Spinaze said.

Mr Schubert adjourned Mr Hill’s matters to August 24.

Mr Hill was also charged with one count each of offence to deal with prohibited substances, assaults occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence) and choking suffocation strangulation domestic relationship (domestic violence offence).

Anthony Francis Lee Jack, 23, was represented by Legal Aid’s Felicity Davis who told the court that Mr Jack was waiting for Legal Aid funding to be approved.

Mr Jack’s matter was adjourned until August 8.

Hughie Phillip Carlo, 33, Alex Kenneth Smith, 30, and Jayden Lee Tanner, 21, did not have legal representation and their matters were adjourned to July 28.